“John’s bass sound was like a Messiaen organ ... was a perfectly intertwined rhythm section and rhythm guitarist — more of a rock ‘n’ roll rarity than you might think.

Rock played just three gigs with drummer Lars ... bass-drum approach where the bass is a rhythm instrument and sometimes counters the guitars. That's kind of what Cliff brought to the band.

Here are some examples: Rock bass lines are usually very simple, and relate to the rhythm of the guitar part. Many pop songs will use bass riffs. This is a short catchy tune. They fit with the ...